FamilyUncle in Thai
“Uncle” in Thai is ลุงlung; you'll also hear น้าnáa (mother's younger sibling) and อาaa (father's younger sibling).
uncle (an older man; also 'you' or 'I') noun older than your parent
- lung mid
- Mid: level, in your normal speaking voice.
For a man about your parents' age or older, like a condo guard or a taxi driver; he'll call himself ลุงlung too.
aunt or uncle on your mother's side, younger than your mother noun mother's younger sibling
- náa high
- High: start high and go a little higher, a bit tense; don’t let it fall.
aunt or uncle on your father's side, younger than your father noun father's younger sibling
- aa mid
- Mid: level, in your normal speaking voice.
Taught in Unit 6 · Lesson 2: Around the condo of the free course.
Practise it freeHow to use it
In the family, ลุงlung is an uncle who is older than your mother or father; a younger uncle is น้าnáa on your mother's side and อาaa on your father's side, the same words as for younger aunts.
Beyond the family, ลุงlung is the friendly, respectful way to address any man about your parents' age or older: a taxi driver, a security guard, a neighbour.
Other spellings you'll see
There's no single official way to write Thai in English letters. We mark the tone of every syllable; online you'll also find:
- loong
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More family in Thai
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Learn this word in Unit 6, free
Unit 6 · Questions, questions · Around the condo. Short lessons with audio for every word, speaking practice and spaced review. No sign-up needed.
Written by the Learn Thai For Free team
Audio: AI voices, quality-checked for tones